Fabric Softener

Yet another miraculous use for plain vinegar! Of course you can keep a jug of plain distilled vinegar in the laundry room and use it straight from the bottle for an unscented softening rinse, but if you want to add a little creativity and pleasant scent to your clean laundry, use essential oil. Lavender is always nice, of course, but perhaps you would prefer to make your own custom-scented fabric softener. The baking soda keeps the essential oil suspended in the formula; just remember to shake well before using to redistribute the scent. I like to re-use an old fabric softener jug – no need to rinse it out – it serves as a visual cue.

If you would like to make a scented Fabric Softener, measure the baking soda in to a nonporous bowl and add the essential oil on top. With a fork, thoroughly mix the oil into the soda. (For Unscented, omit baking soda and essential oil.)

Work the essential oil into the baking soda in a nonporous
dish or bowl.

Using a funnel, transfer the mixture into your prepared container. Add some vinegar, enough to fill container one fourth full. After fizzing subsides (this will take 30-60 seconds) add enough vinegar to fill the container and cap tightly. Shake well to combine. Label container clearly ‘Fabric Softener.’To use, shake jug well and add 1/2 cup Fabric Softener to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.

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